Vice Lord-Lieutenant Gavin Whitefield CBE DL recently presented the King’s Award for Voluntary Service to the Well Foundation at a special celebration event which took place at the Dalziel Park Hotel .
The Well Foundation, established in 2008, has dedicated itself to supporting marginalised individuals and communities through sporting, cultural and social initiatives. The organisation runs eight football teams and provides vital mental health support. Continue reading →
Many congratulations to Willie and Phyllis Frame from Hamilton who celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 9th June 2025. Continue reading →
The King’s Birthday Honours List for 2025 recognises the achievements and service of people across the United Kingdom . Continue reading →
The Lanarkshire Lieutenancy was once again delighted to be represented at the Lanark Lanimer Celebrations from 8th to 15th June 2025. Continue reading →
Many congratulations to Mr and Mrs Walsh from Blantyre who celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 11th June 2025. Continue reading →
Former Land Girl and self-taught accordion player Margaret Harrower has been celebrating her centenary with family and friends.
And joining Margaret at Ashlea Court in Ashgill, were two other Margarets – South Lanarkshire’s Provost Margaret Cooper (who presented her with flowers and a certificate from the council) and Deputy Lieutenant for Lanarkshire Margaret Morton DL who presented her with a certificate from The King and The Queen Consort to mark Margaret’s Centenary achievement.
Margaret, who did not have the easiest life, always says to her family that “you should enjoy life and make the most of what you have”.
Margaret was born in Cowdenbeath on 30 May 2025. The youngest of five children, her love of music encouraged her to learn the accordion by the age of 12 and she was soon in demand for weddings and other local functions.
When WW2 broke out, she set off to sign up to be a WREN. But on the way she met a friend who was going to be a Land Girl. Margaret liked the sound of that so joined up with her friend.
And to this day she always says that it was very hard work but one of the most enjoyable times of her life. She is very proud of the Women’s Land Army medal she was presented with in 2008.
After the war Margaret married in 1948 and had her daughter Rita the following year. She later returned to work as a cashier in the bus company she had previously been a conductress.
She retired at 60 and in 2019 moved from Cowdenbeath to live with her daughter and husband Ian in Auchenheath. Margaret is now gran to Valerie and husband Gordon, Scott and his partner Lynne.
She is also a great grandmother to Jack and Nikki – and of course the family dog Flynn. Margaret remained active and independent for many years but eventually moved into Ashlea Court in 2023. If you would like the Provost to attend a Diamond Wedding or 100th birthday please get in touch with the Provost’s Office.
Blantyre LIFE, the pioneering ‘home for life’ care campus, marked its glowing inspection results by welcoming distinguished guests to tour the facility and meet staff and service users.
Lady Susan Haughey CBE, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, and South Lanarkshire’s Provost, Councillor Margaret Cooper, toured the innovative facility and heard first-hand about its transformative impact on people’s lives.
Hosted by Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, the visit highlighted both the innovation and compassion at the heart of Blantyre LIFE. The dignitaries met with staff and service users, including 97-year-old Duncan Campbell from Strathaven, who praised the care he has received during his four-week stay.
“It’s actually 97 and a half – don’t forget the half!” Duncan joked. “The staff have been looking after me so well. It’s a marvellous place – so well run, clean and tidy. It’s fantastic. I was forgetting to take my medication, but I’ve got it under control now and I’m doing a lot better.”
They also spoke with Catherine Carney, 76, from Blantyre, who is regaining her strength and confidence after a recent health setback.
She said: “I’ve been in for about ten days. I’ve had issues with my balance but I’m getting better and more confident. It’s a lovely place – the best place I’ve heard of. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. The staff are so helpful and can’t do enough for you. I like to have a good blether with the staff and other people here.”
Lady Susan Haughey CBE praised the commitment of staff and the impact of the service: “It was truly heartening to meet Duncan and Catherine as well as the people behind Blantyre LIFE and how their efforts are changing lives.
“This is an exceptional facility that reflects the very best of innovation, compassion, and commitment to helping people live as independently as possible. Everyone involved should be immensely proud.”
The visit also marked a moment of celebration, as Blantyre LIFE recently received its first external inspection from the Care Inspectorate – earning “very good” gradings across all areas assessed.
Chelsea Crawford, Operations Campus Manager at Blantyre LIFE, said: “We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved here at Blantyre LIFE. Every member of our team plays a part in supporting people not just to recover, but to regain their independence and confidence.”
Morag Toolan, Enhanced Senior Support Worker, added: “The positive feedback we’ve received – from the Care Inspectorate and from the people we support – means so much. It reflects the values we live every day: compassion, respect, and a belief in what people can achieve with the right care at the right time.”
Provost Cooper said: “Blantyre LIFE is a lifeline for people recovering after a crisis and showcases what can be achieved through forward-thinking, collaborative working. I’m inspired by the stories I’ve heard today and grateful to every member of staff who makes this vital service a reality.”
Speaking after the visit, Professor Sengupta said: “This outstanding facility not only reduces reliance on long-term nursing and residential care but also plays a crucial role in supporting wider efforts to improve unscheduled care and tackle delayed discharges.
“Meeting Duncan and Catherine today once again brought to life the impact of what our teams do every day – restoring independence, rebuilding confidence and making people feel genuinely cared for.
“I am particularly proud that the service has recently undergone its first inspection by the Care Inspectorate – achieving ‘very good’ gradings across the board. This remarkable result is a reflection of the tireless work, skill and compassion of our committed colleagues and our dedicated leadership team.
“My sincere thanks go to all of our colleagues involved in bringing this exceptional service to life for the benefit of the entire South Lanarkshire community and to the community that we serve for their continuing support.”
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal recently paid a visit to the award-winning Briar Centre recognising its leading role in brain injury rehabilitation and transformative care it provides to patients and their families .
Located within NHS Lanarkshire’s Stonehouse Hospital , the Briar Centre has established itself as a national exemplar in specialist rehabilitation since opening . Continue reading →
The tenth public speaking competition for schools in Lanarkshire, organised by the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy, was held on 15th May 2025 at the Airdrie Town Hall with the following schools taking part:
Brannock High School
Lanark Grammar School
Larkhall Academy
Our Lady’s High School Cumbernauld Continue reading →
‘The Cameronian Conventicle is an annual event held at the Cameronian Monument near Douglas in South Lanarkshire . Continue reading →